R460-m upgrade for Isipingo CBD
It includes upgrading trading facilities and a multi-purpose centre that will provide retail and office facilities, public parking and a new taxi rank.
ETHEKWINI Municipality has embarked on a multi-million rand plan to revitalise the Isipingo town centre to unlock the area’s full economic potential.
The upgrade, expected to cost around R460-million, is part of the municipality’s urban regeneration plan funded jointly by the eThekwini Municipality and National Treasury.
Project manager Vuyo Jayiya said the regeneration sought to make the town centre more functional in terms of linking all economic activities. “We want to retain the current business and create opportunity for expansion of business into the town centre. The character of the economy here is retail and transportation,” he said.
“We had to cater for current day demands. We don’t want to introduce a solution that is alien to what is currently happening in the area. That meant improving the transport links and providing better facilities for motorists, traders and pedestrians.”
The project, over 6,999sqm, includes upgrading trading facilities and a multi-purpose centre that will provide retail and office facilities, public parking and a new taxi rank. In addition to municipal offices, the four-storey Isipingo Junction will house the departments of labour, home affairs, housing, the Post Office, SASSA offices and facilities for SMME retailers.
The Isipingo Junction is expected to cost around R400-million.
The three-phase project started in 2012 is on track for completion by 2018. Thus far, R30-million has been spent on the project with infrastructure taking up the chunk of the budget.
Jayiya said the development was expected to have major socio-economic spin offs for both budding and established entrepreneurs.
The second phase of the project which includes upgrades to roads, storm water drainage, sanitation, street lighting and CCTV masts in Pardy, Alexander and Hillview roads will be completed by September.
“Next year there will be no construction. We will be busy with acquisition of land.” The final phase three will begin in 2017. Developments in the town centre will also include pedestrian walkways, paved sidewalks, new roads and 25 new parking bays to cater for the expected influx. The upgrades will have new and modern sheltered sites to accommodate 233 traders.
